Moravian Love feast

By Penny Helton, NC

The United Methodist Church that I attend holds a Moravian Love feast each year at Christmas time. Last year I attended the Love feast for the first time. The service is beautiful and very meaningful.

The youth of the church serve authentic Moravian cake with strong coffee right in the pews to the participants. We sing carols by candlelight and the Christmas story is read. As we participate we are to pray in love for one another, particularly the one seated on our left and our right. Children sing the traditional Moravian carol, "Morning Star" and only pure beeswax candles are used.

The organist plays softly during the meal. The Love feast is not a substitute for Holy communion. In Holy communion the symbolism is that God shares with us, His children. In the Love feast the symbolism is that the Christian shares with his or her fellow Christians.

The Moravians brought this practice from Germany when the established a pennanent settlement in Salem in 1776. The settlement today is the city of Winston Salem and is the headquarters of the Southern Province of the Moravian Church. Old Salem is a small area within Winston Salem where you can see how the original settlers lived. There is a church, houses, businesses, and a bakery where you can buy the thin ginger cookies and other delicious goodies.

During the Love feast the hope is that your heart will be warmed and inspired by the Spirit of God.